Pershore 41 - Oswestry 12
APR
Pershore played some of their best rugby this season on Saturday, and
comprehensively dispatched higher ranked opposition Oswestry. With the
backs again having to chop and change due to unavailability and injury,
they adjusted remarkably well, with the centre partnership of Matt
Cyphus, ans Steff Ellis, in particular causing problems all afternoon.
As usual, Pershores forwards were in majestic form, with the front row
of Peel, Humphries, and the ever improving Carl Redman, dominating scrum
time, and their big ball carriers, Hope and Whyte making constant in
roads. From the kick off, Pershore attacked Oswestry with wave upon wave
of attacks. Their big forwards could not cope , especially in the heat,
so it was of no surprise when Matt Cyphus, made a lovely outside break,
and his pass was timed to perfection, to release Andy Jenkinson, who
cruised into the corner to score. The conversion was missed. Pershore
again pressed forward, and soon Oswestry were penalised for hands in the
ruck, Whyte duly converted the penalty. Oswestry tried to gain some
possession, but an aggressive defence enabled Rob Owen to win turn over
ball, it was quickly moved to Steph Ellis, who simply outpaced the
covering defence to score under the posts, Whyte converting. Pershore
were now playing with a swagger, and again from very quick turnover ball
in midfield, swift interpassing between backs and forwards alike, and a
terrific run from Alex Peel, who was eventually stopped under the posts,
but his off load in the tackle was gathered by Matt Cyphus who crossed
the whitewash. Again Whyte converted. On the stroke of half time,
Oswestry managed to use their big forwards to catch and drive from a
lineout, and score, the conversion missed. 22 to 5 at half time. The
second half mirrored the first, with Pershore playing some terrific
supporting rugby, with Hanson at fly half mixing up his game, making
breaks, little grubber kicks, always keeping Oswestry guessing, so it
did not take long for them to add more points. A line out on half way,
enabled Pershore to maul, and then pick up and drive, for ten metres,
two further powerful surges in midfield got Pershore into a fine
attacking position, a chip kick ahead was gathered, and Adrian Hanson
was on hand to receive the scoring pass from Humphries to touch down.
The conversion was missed. The final quarter was now all Pershore, and
they were further rewarded when Steve Holmes capped a fine afternoon,
with an excellent solo try, fending off a couple of attempted tackles,
to touch down under the posts, replacement centre Scott Morris
converted. Oswestry added to their score when a lapse in concentration
under the high ball, enabled their winger to kick ahead and score a
converted try. The final score came when the forwards attaked from the
base of the scrum, No 8 Hope made the hard yards, and his lovely off
load in the tackle was caught by Carl Redman who crashed over, Morris
converted to finish the game. Pershore will now play higher ranked Old
Saltlians in the semi final, at Piddle Park next Saturday 1 May.
